According to Salter, Beamish & Davies (2016) study, play therapy helps neurodivergent and autistic children to understand social cues and emotional expression and improves regulation ability. According to a 2018 study by Howard, Lindaman, Copeland, and Cross, it also enhances reactive & symbolic play communication. Such communication would improve the child-parent relationship too.Â
Protocol of play therapy at BRIGHT
We create training schedules involving the parent and the child to improve communication skills and socialization. Our approach focuses on
- Understanding game rules
- Taking turns
- Quiet time/attentive time during others’ turn
- Understanding the win/lose concept
- Communication
- Adjusting to the game flow
- Accepting sudden/abrupt game changes or end
- Skills required for learning and interacting during the game
Every child is unique and requires a different game training style. However, the game therapy has to be conducted as a group. Therefore, we would design the training flow to teach the game in parts. For example, for training ‘snake and ladder,’ the child should understand counting, throwing dice, etc.
Usually, we choose games that are understandable by all the children in the group, and we also make sure to segregate the groups in terms of skill level when we are looking to teach a specific game.
FAQs about play therapy
Q1: What if my child does not know to play the game?
A: The idea behind play therapy is to make a child learn a game, play it with friends, handle conflicts, and enjoy the game flow. Every element of this process will be taught step by step.
Q2: What type of games will be taught?
A: We always start with board games with fewer rules, like snake and ladder, carrom, etc. Then, once the child gets more focused, we can move to games with movements, more variables, and many distractions.
Q3: Can I begin play therapy for my non-verbal child?
A: Play therapy is an excellent way to induce speech sounds and natural communication. Thus, yes, your non-verbal child can participate in this activity.
